10 critical observations from the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft

What critical observations can be taken from a fascinating 2023 NFL Draft for the Washington Commanders ahead of the new campaign?

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. You’ve probably already read about the seven newest Washington Commanders and, trust me, you will be reading a lot more.

I already knew a fair amount about the first four picks – they all were included in Washington’s top 30 visits, and a little bit about the picks in rounds five and six – they had interviews with the team at the Senior Bowl. Still learning about the final pick.

Until I learn more, I’ll offer you these ten quick observations about the Commanders’ draft.

Critical Observation No. 1

Commanders doubled down on DBs

The last time Washington doubled up on defensive backs at the top of the draft was in 1985 when they took Tory Nixon and Raphel Cherry in the second and fifth rounds respectively – their top two picks that year. Let’s hope Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin turn out a little better.

Commanders played to draft strengths

Washington went in the correct order, according to the strengths of this draft. There was a bigger drop-off from the elite cornerbacks than there was from the elite interior linemen, so it made sense to get your cornerback early.

The reason Martin’s development is so crucial is that by doubling up, the Commanders passed on John Michael Schmitz in round two. As much as I like Ricky Stromberg in the third, I think the former Minnesota standout is a significantly better prospect.

Martin has to show he was worth passing on Schmitz.

Quan Martin is the Commanders draft key

Speaking of Quan Martin, I think he is the key to this draft. He was the wild card.

A lot of people thought the Washington Commanders would go with a cornerback in round one and an interior lineman in the middle rounds. Even though he was a top-30 visit, I don’t know anyone who thought Martin was a serious consideration in the second.

It seems to me that Washington went looking for a Bobby McCain replacement because Martin offers the same kind of flexibility the Commanders had with the recently departed veteran.

And, to close the book on Martin, let me just opine that the fact none of us saw the pick coming is an excellent testament to how guarded the Commanders were with their draft board and plans. Though some of us may be embarrassed that we missed it, and some fans may think it was a bad pick because they had not seen his name before, that type of security is actually a very good thing for the organization.

Commanders have a plan for Emmanuel Forbes

Emmanuel Forbes will gain some weight. Devonta Smith put on a few pounds after he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders should adopt a similar approach with their first-round pick.

Both Forbes and Smith weighed 166 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. It’s interesting because we could see the cornerback covering the wideout for many years to come.

Should Forbes ever find himself lined up against Philly’s other receiver, A.J. Brown, he will be giving away 60 pounds. That could be a problem.

Antonio Gibson is the Commanders’ new receiving RB

Antonio Gibson is the new receiving running back. The Washington Commanders could have drafted a versatile prospect like Tulane’s Tyjae Spears – who went to the Tennessee Titans in the third round – or Illinois’ Chase Brown – who went to the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth – but they resisted.

Instead, they took Chris Rodriguez, Jr., who is essentially a Brian Robinson Jr. clone – only not quite as good. He’ll be a solid backup – a hard runner who will be able to give the Alabama product some rest every few series.

Commanders moving on from DE duo

Shaka Toney and William Bradley King are probably done in Washington. The former may have been gone regardless of how the Commanders handled the draft, but taking two edge pass rushers on Day 3 may have sealed their respective fates.

The fact that they jumped up to grab Clemson’s K.J. Henry in the fifth round suggests that defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has big plans for him. Seventh-rounder Andre Jones is listed as a linebacker, but he sure looks like a 4-3 defensive end to me.

Commanders go back to Louisiana

Speaking of Andre Jones, this makes back-to-back years that the Washington Commanders have chosen a Ragin’ Cajun from the University of Louisiana. The start of an ongoing trend, perhaps?

The last time Washington drafted a player from that school? Well, it was known as Southwestern Louisiana back in 1990 when Washington selected Brian Mitchell in the fifth round.

Commanders stuck to their guns at QB

A lot of us thought the Commanders would draft a developmental quarterback. They did not.

They may have thought the cost for Jake Haener (round four) was too high. The same might apply to Dorian Thompson-Robinson (round five).

I hope they at least considered Max Duggan in the seventh, but no matter the reason, they did not take anyone. Nor did they sign one of the intriguing undrafted free agents. Malik Cunningham signed with the New England Patriots. The Chicago Bears Chicago scooped up Tyson Bagent. And the Detroit Lions inked Adrian Martinez.

This confirmed what many expected before the draft. Ron Rivera is happy to move forward with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett next season and their success could be the determining factor behind his long-term future with the organization.

Commanders could take QB from USFL

As of this writing, 20 quarterbacks were either drafted or signed as undrafted free agents, and the Washington Commanders were not in the mix. As it currently stands, Jake Fromm is the third-string option. But here’s where the XFL and USFL enter the picture.

I suspect the Commanders have their eye on a prospect or two from the Spring leagues, which may explain why they didn’t invest in one in the draft. Could Jordan Ta’amu be ready to make the trip from Audi Field to FedEx?

Commanders have a tough challenge in NFC East

Now, as for the other NFC East teams: The Dallas Cowboys need second-round draft pick Luke Schoonmaker to fill their glaring hole at tight end. I am not enthusiastic about his upside.

The New York Giants need third-round pick Jalin Hyatt to add the speed and playmaking ability that they thought they were getting with Kadarius Toney a couple of years ago. I’m a little skeptical.

As for the Philadelphia Eagles, goodness gracious. Your best bet, if you are competing against them, is to hope that maybe Jalen Hurts isn’t quite as good as he looked last year. That’s not a great bet.

Still, the Commanders beat the Eagles last year. On the field. Doesn’t matter how good they look on paper. I can’t wait to see these new guys in action.